Fields said the Honeybee gyroplanes have been manufactured since 1997, and the G2 models — the same model Rogers was flying — have been around since 2008. Rogers aircraft was a Ultralight Part 103, Fields said, which meant it weighed under 254 pounds, held less than five gallons of fuel and reached maximum speeds of 63 mph or less. Fields said the models are capable of reaching altitudes of 5,000 feet, but most people stay below 2,000 feet.

Despite reaching high altitudes, the Federal Aviation Administration considers the Ultralight a recreational vehicle, which means a pilot’s license is not required. Fields said someone could buy a machine from the factory ready to go and start flying.

“That aircraft does not require training but we insist on training,” he said, adding that Rogers had a commercial pilot rating and spent plenty of time in the air. “Paul was a really good pilot.”